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Police anger over Ramadan arrests memo

23/10/2006

Police in Greater Manchester have been angered by an order that said Muslims are not to be arrested at prayer times during the month of Ramadan.

Officers, who reportedly received an email that lists Muslim prayer times, have been asked to refrain from executing arrest warrants because of religious sensitivities.

However, a spokesman for Greater Manchester Police has said that the order does not apply to on-the-spot arrests and added that the confusion was caused by an unclear memo.

"It is important that normal, planned policing activities and operations are maintained, while ensuring that officers are professional and respectful to members of the community while going about their duties," said the spokesman.

"Officers are categorically not being told to not arrest Muslims. That's not our policy. If anyone, of any faith, commits a crime during Ramadan, they will be arrested."

Mohammed Shafiq, from the Ramadhan Foundation, said the notion that police would not arrest a Muslim during Ramadan is "lunacy".

Mr Shafiq added: "If people think Muslims are immune from the law, it will only stir up tensions within the community."




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